Contention marks Detroit mayoral debate
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Each candidate speaks with media after the WXYZ mayoral debate. Photos: Annalise Frank/Axios
The two candidates for Detroit mayor accused each other of being "disingenuous" during a Wednesday night debate between the Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. and City Council President Mary Sheffield.
Why it matters: In a nearly year-long mayor's race that's been largely cordial in public settings, this first televised debate ahead of the Nov. 4 general election marked a departure with pointed criticisms.
- WXYZ hosted at its Southfield studio with editorial director Chuck Stokes and 7 News Detroit anchor Carolyn Clifford moderating.
State of play: 12-year council member Sheffield characterized Triumph Church senior pastor Kinloch as "inexperienced leadership," while Kinloch described her tenure as "failed leadership."
Between the lines: Among several tense exchanges and quips between the two, Sheffield said Kinloch's answers weren't providing solutions, just calling out problems, and that he had shown a "sense of entitlement" by not attending candidate forums and community meetings.
- Kinloch's comments included that his opponent is giving residents "headlines and headlights instead of headway" when it comes to reducing crime, and that Sheffield's campaign had attempted to smear his name.
After Sheffield said Kinloch's church hadn't developed any housing, Kinloch said, "Mary, it's disingenuous for you to assault me and my church for all the work you know we've done in this community," adding the church had done more to assist residents "than anybody you know."
- Sheffield countered that "it's disingenuous of you, pastor, to sit here and insinuate that I've done nothing for this city. For 12 years, I've been on the front lines delivering for this city over 20 pieces of legislation …"
Yes, but: Candidates also dug into policy, detailing their plans on transit, crime, poverty, affordable housing and more.
- Sheffield described herself as a seasoned policymaker with accomplishments under her belt who wants many more Detroiters across neighborhoods outside downtown to succeed and benefit from the city's revitalization.
- Kinloch, meanwhile, said Detroit is at a crossroads with rising poverty and needs to move forward with bold, brave new leadership like him, a CEO-level executive, instead of maintaining the status quo.
The bottom line: Asked what they'd do first when taking office, Kinloch said he'd evaluate top leadership to assure they're ready to deliver creative solutions.
- He'd also engage with Lansing and federal-level elected officials, and convene local philanthropists, corporations and residents at one table.
- Sheffield said she'd also ensure effective leadership around her, look at how to enhance city services and figure out how to install City Hall-like hubs in neighborhoods across Detroit to bring access to resources closer to where residents live.
Go deeper: Watch the full debate here